The Altar Server assists the members of the liturgical assembly, and especially the priest and deacon, by presenting or arranging vessels and other items used in the celebration of sacred rites. Their reverent and efficient service enables other ministers to attend to their own roles while the liturgical actions unfold with reverence and appropriate decorum. As members of the assembly who are often visible to all at key moments in the rite, the Altar Servers should also model good liturgical participation.

Responsibilities and Tasks: The Altar Server:

Assists with the preparation of the sanctuary and sacred vessels before the liturgy and their proper care afterward.

Prepares the altar (or assists the deacon in doing so) before the presentation of the gifts.

Assists the priest and deacon in receiving the gifts from the people at the altar and helps to complete the preparation rite.

Assists the priest and deacon with books and other altar accessories as needed and responds to special circumstances that may arise during the rite.

Performs special tasks with dignity and reverence and otherwise participates fully as an exemplary member of the assembly.

Exhibits responsibility by serving when scheduled and taking part in special rehearsals, etc.

Is attired in dignified clothing for the celebration.

Formation, Training and Criteria for Readiness:
The Altar Server:

Is a baptized member of the Catholic Church (male or female), already a participant in Eucharistic Communion, who has

been duly prepared for this role.

Is an adult or youth who has the necessary skills and sufficient maturity to serve the liturgical assembly in the way outlined here. (The minimum age is left to the pastor’s discretion.)

Has learned to participate fully as a member of the liturgical assembly.

Desires to serve the parish community and to commit time and talents to this ministry. Has participated in a training process, appropriate to various age groups, that includes: a) Reflection on the importance of the Church’s iturgical celebrations and the meaning of service to the worshipping assembly (including the attitudes and spirituality of the minister). b) Examination of the structure and meaning of the Mass and other rites in which Altar Servers exercise their role (including the nature of and relationship with other liturgical ministries). c) Review of the arrangement of the church building, the names and placement of furnishings, vestments, books, vessels, etc. (including practice for any esponsibility the Altar Server may have for setup or cleanup). d) In-depth rehearsal of the ceremonial procedures of the local community (including attention to posture, deportment, vesting, reverent handling of vessels and the modeling of good assembly participation).

Is provided with biannual opportunities to keep growing in understanding and appreciation of the liturgical rites that they help the community to celebrate.

The ministry of server is open to any member of the parish aged 9 and above. Servers are scheduled to minister about once every two months at a liturgy of their choice. Special requests may be made for specific Masses and a serving partner. Training occurs on an as needed basis and requires one "get acquainted" session where the new servers learn where things are, become familiar with specific terms and a cassock is assigned. Contact Fr. Semler at 412-271-1326 if interested. The new server is then scheduled with experienced servers to become more familiar with the ritual actions of the liturgy. Modest attire is required especially shoes which are most visible. Servers need to arrive 10 minutes before Mass begins to assist the priest in preparation for the liturgy.